Results 22,601-22,620 of 46,014 for speaker:Simon Harris

Select Committee on Health: Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Bill 2018: Committee Stage (Resumed) (8 Nov 2018)

Simon Harris: If the Deputies would like me to speak, I will speak but I would like to speak in a respectful forum. I have actually answered all of these questions but unfortunately some people have been coming in and out of the room and they want me to answer them again. There is a record of my answers. I have not moved from this chair. I have answered all of the questions but I will answer them again...

Select Committee on Health: Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Bill 2018: Committee Stage (Resumed) (8 Nov 2018)

Simon Harris: What? That people walk in and walk out and do not bother to listen to anything?

Select Committee on Health: Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Bill 2018: Committee Stage (Resumed) (8 Nov 2018)

Simon Harris: Is that what Deputy Fitzpatrick thinks too?

Select Committee on Health: Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Bill 2018: Committee Stage (Resumed) (8 Nov 2018)

Simon Harris: I have answered them already. I will answer them again and again. This is a delaying tactic-----

Select Committee on Health: Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Bill 2018: Committee Stage (Resumed) (8 Nov 2018)

Simon Harris: Conscientious objection-----

Select Committee on Health: Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Bill 2018: Committee Stage (Resumed) (8 Nov 2018)

Simon Harris: Yes, for the final time. As Deputy Coppinger knows because she has been here, I have answered all of the questions already.

Select Committee on Health: Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Bill 2018: Committee Stage (Resumed) (8 Nov 2018)

Simon Harris: Conscientious objection is allowed for in section 23. The issues that the Deputies are suggesting have been voted against already. Of course, we have not voted against them but against the amendments as proposed because we are satisfied that the protections and clarity are already in the legislation. This is no different to the conscientious objection that already exists. I have explained...

Select Committee on Health: Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Bill 2018: Committee Stage (Resumed) (8 Nov 2018)

Simon Harris: I am here until 6.30 p.m. or I can go until 5.45 p.m. and then take a break.

Select Committee on Health: Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Bill 2018: Committee Stage (Resumed) (8 Nov 2018)

Simon Harris: I thank Deputy Donnelly for raising the matter. It is absolutely the intention that termination of pregnancy services will be free both in the community and in the hospital setting. The amendments to the Health Act 1970 mirror the provisions of that Act as they relate to services for attendance to the health of women in respect of motherhood. Thus, women in receipt of services in...

Select Committee on Health: Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Bill 2018: Committee Stage (Resumed) (8 Nov 2018)

Simon Harris: Yes, absolutely.

Select Committee on Health: Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Bill 2018: Committee Stage (Resumed) (8 Nov 2018)

Simon Harris: Yes.

Select Committee on Health: Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Bill 2018: Committee Stage (Resumed) (8 Nov 2018)

Simon Harris: The point made by Deputy Coppinger is a good one. I can argue, technically, as to whether this should be debated as part of this legislation, but Deputy Donnelly putting these amendments down is important. All of us here are concerned, as Deputy Donnelly correctly said, about reducing crisis pregnancies. Commitments, or certainly, recommendations were given in the all-party committee...

Select Committee on Health: Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Bill 2018: Committee Stage (Resumed) (8 Nov 2018)

Simon Harris: It is useful to clarify the position and I do not mean this in any way other than to be constructive. Obviously, in amending this legislation, we all want to get it right. Therefore, because of the office I hold, my ability to bring forward amendments will mean that I can have my amendments robustly legally scrutinised in a way that Deputies may not be in a position to do. I hope that we...

Select Committee on Health: Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Bill 2018: Committee Stage (Resumed) (8 Nov 2018)

Simon Harris: I welcome the fact that the Deputy raised the issue because the relevant amendment was ruled out of order, which precluded me from saying what I would like to say.

Select Committee on Health: Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Bill 2018: Committee Stage (Resumed) (8 Nov 2018)

Simon Harris: To be very clear, women from Northern Ireland will be able to access services in the Republic of Ireland. Of that, there is no doubt. We are not leaving women from the North behind in respect of this. Until the North gets around to rectifying the inequalities in that jurisdiction, we will make sure women in Northern Ireland can access health services here. As the Deputy is aware, there is...

Select Committee on Health: Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Bill 2018: Committee Stage (Resumed) (8 Nov 2018)

Simon Harris: I see no difficulty if the group wishes to send a representative. Deputy Fitzpatrick may wish to liaise with my office.

Select Committee on Health: Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Bill 2018: Committee Stage (Resumed) (8 Nov 2018)

Simon Harris: I would like to engage with the committee membership early next week and revert with a date. I would like to take Report Stage very soon this month.

Select Committee on Health: Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Bill 2018: Committee Stage (Resumed) (8 Nov 2018)

Simon Harris: Thank you, Chairman.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Tobacco Control Measures (8 Nov 2018)

Simon Harris: As responsibility for the enforcement of tobacco control measures rests with the Health Service Executive (HSE), this PQ is being referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Tobacco Control Measures (8 Nov 2018)

Simon Harris: As funding is allocated by the Health Service Executive on tobacco cessation measures this PQ is being referred out to the HSE for direct reply.